Former New York Times Columnist to Lead CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest step by recent acquirers to reshape operations of a prominent American news organisations.
Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader effort to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a range of opinions.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including recorded segments can be shared.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.
